Measuring 18 3/4" in length, with four tuning holes, this unsplit Peppertree (Shinus molle) branch flute is sweetly and soulfuly tuned to a high Bm pentatonic scale, modes 1&4, playing 3 upper octave notes.  Much of the beautiful bark has been left on, well sealed to insure its continued adherence to the wood, but sanded down at the tone holes exposing the finely finished wood grain.  All knot holes have been inlaid with crushed malachite stone.  Elk lacing with malachite and brass beads secures the bird to its nest.  To help prevent wetout, the bird has been fitted with a redwood shoe and a drain hole, covered by the lacing,  has been designed into the air chamber  The branch for this flute was gathered sustainably, with respect and prayer, from a tree that grows within the San Marcos Creek watershed of California.  

Shamanic use of Peppertree:  Brought to Mexico by the Spaniards from South America hundreds of years ago,
Peppertree now grows abundantly in the wild there, where it is known by the name of "pirul", also naturalizing throughout the American Southwest.  It has become an important part of Mexican traditional medicine, as its branches are used to "sweep" a person's body and thus "cast away all bad luck" and the "evil eye".  This ceremony, called "una barrida con pirul" is common practice in many rural communities in Mexico today.